Bucks' leader Kyles learned from Uncle Mo

February 02, 2006|BOB OPPENHEIM Tribune Staff Writer

Three years ago, Buchanan boys basketball player Jeff Kyles didn't have an ordinary summer of fun and relaxation. Instead, he was introduced to uncle Mo's strenuous workout regimen. "It had nothing to do with basketball," said Jeff Kyles. "We ran the big hill at Buchanan High School and the stairs at the high school football stadium. I didn't do the full workout. This was my first time. I went through half of it. I almost passed out. I was young and it was before I was in shape." Jeff Kyles learned a lesson that summer about what it took to be a successful athlete. His uncle Mo knew about that journey. He was a standout basketball player on the Bucks' 1978 state championship team. "I learned from him hard work and dedication," Jeff Kyles said about his uncle. Mo Kyles still lives in Buchanan and attends most of his nephew's basketball games. "I talk to him all through the week," Jeff Kyles said. "Sometimes, after a game we talk. It depends how I play. He tells me what he thought about the game and gives me advice. He's usually pretty nice to me." Uncle Mo can be pretty proud of his nephew these days and in the influence he's had on the 2005-06 Buchanan boys basketball team. The 6-foot-1 senior point guard is averaging 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a little over two steals a game. Jeff Kyles takes the most pride in being the Bucks' defensive stopper. "I like playing defense more," Jeff Kyles said. "Coach preaches that and you have to buy into it if you want to win. Saying you've stopped one of the best offensive players in the area is better than scoring 18 points." More importantly, what Jeff Kyles has brought to the team is leadership and a positive influence to the younger players. Jeff Kyles is the most experienced player back from last year's team that finished 23-3 and claimed a district and regional championship. "The most impressive thing I see from him is his leadership," said Buchanan coach Reid McBeth. "He's an extension of the coach out on the floor. What you want he gets done out on the court." Jeff Kyles assumed leadership responsibilities soon after last season ended. "He was one of the guys that once last year ended stepped into the weight room and participated in the 3-man workouts," McBeth said. Jeff Kyles, who is a co-captain along with Eric Cole, doesn't just lead by example. He makes sure his voice is heard this year by teammates. "In the past when I was on the varsity I led by example," Jeff Kyles said. "I didn't have to be vocal last year because I played with those guys all my life and we had chemistry. I've had to assume a little bit more leadership this year and be more vocal considering this is a young team." Jeff Kyles hopes to lead his squad to a win this Friday against rival Brandywine. Earlier in the year, the Bucks beat the Bobcats, 54-47. "Brandywine always plays hard so it's good to beat them," Jeff Kyles said. Other games:

River Valley at Berrien Springs: Without two starters in Chad Kuntz and Matt Grandholm due to injuries, the Mustangs will be hard-pressed to play another close game with the Shamrocks. Berrien Springs edged River Valley, 52-50, earlier in the year.

Edwardsburg at Bridgman: The Lakeland Conference leading Bees hope to cool off the Eddies' Adam Hancock, who scored 25 points in Edwardsburg's 71-61 win over New Buffalo on Tuesday.

Cassopolis at Coloma: It's round two between Rangers' coach Josh Hood and his former team. The Comets won the first meeting, 41-32. Staff writer Bob Oppenheim: roppenheim@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6151